Wuthering Heights · Chapter
Chapter II explained
Lockwood returns to Wuthering Heights during a snowstorm and meets the household: Heathcliff, his daughter-in-law (a young, scornful woman), and Hareton Earnshaw.
What happens
Lockwood returns to Wuthering Heights during a snowstorm and meets the household: Heathcliff, his daughter-in-law (a young, scornful woman), and Hareton Earnshaw. After a tense meal and a failed attempt to leave, Lockwood is attacked by the dogs and forced to stay overnight, aided by Zillah.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because Nelly’s psychological peak of fury and helplessness—calling Heathcliff a “…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Isolation and Alienation
Lockwood feels out of place and unwelcome, the household is physically isolated by snow, and characters exhibit emotional distance.
- Cruelty and Power
Heathcliff's hatred toward Catherine, the dog attack, and the general inhospitality demonstrate cruelty and power dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Lockwood
Narrator who visits Wuthering Heights, endures cold reception and dog attack, forced to stay overnight.
- Heathcliff
Host, reveals the young woman is his daughter-in-law, shows hatred toward her, laughs at Lockwood's humiliation.
- Catherine Linton
Referred to as Mrs. Heathcliff, young and scornful, refuses to help Lockwood, burns matches, curses the household.
- Hareton Earnshaw
Young man who lets Lockwood in, gruff and defensive, threatens Lockwood, participates in the dog attack.
- Joseph
Vinegar-faced servant, scolds Catherine, milks cows, raises alarm about the stolen lantern.
- Zillah
Housewife who rescues Lockwood from the dogs, splashes water on him, gives him brandy, and shows him to bed.
Key passages
“Mrs. Heathcliff is my daughter-in-law”
Heathcliff clarifies that the young woman is married to his son, not to him.
Reveals family relationships and Heathcliff's disdain.
“My name is Hareton Earnshaw”
The young man asserts his identity and demands respect.
Introduces Hareton and his pride in his name.
“I don't want your help”
Catherine refuses Lockwood's offer to assist her.
Shows her scornful and independent attitude.
“I see this house will never do for me—look at t' poor lad, he's fair choking!”
Zillah scolds Hareton for the attack on Lockwood and helps him.
Zillah's intervention provides a moment of kindness.
